ABC's New Crime Drama: A Hit Despite Five Familiar Tropes

James

3 min read

Post on Sep 16, 2025

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ABC's New Crime Drama: A Hit Despite Five Familiar Tropes

ABC's latest crime drama, "Nightfall," has taken the network by storm, becoming an unexpected hit despite relying on five well-worn tropes of the genre. While critics initially predicted its failure due to its familiarity, audiences are clearly captivated. But how is a show succeeding despite employing such predictable plot devices? Let's delve into the five familiar tropes and explore why "Nightfall" is defying expectations.

Five Familiar Tropes that Somehow Work:

1. The Grumpy, Brilliant Detective: Detective Miles Corbin, played by veteran actor Liam O'Connell, embodies the classic cynical, brilliant but emotionally damaged detective. We've seen this archetype countless times – from Sherlock Holmes to Jack Bauer – but O'Connell brings a nuanced performance, imbuing Corbin with a surprising vulnerability that keeps viewers engaged. His internal struggles, beyond the typical "lone wolf" persona, provide a refreshing twist on the familiar character.

2. The Reluctant Partner: Corbin is partnered with the energetic, by-the-book Detective Isabella “Izzy” Diaz (played by newcomer Sofia Rodriguez). Their contrasting personalities fuel the central conflict and comedic relief. This classic “odd couple” dynamic, while predictable, allows for witty banter and compelling character development, preventing the partnership from becoming stale.

3. The Mysterious Case: The season's central mystery involves a series of seemingly unconnected murders, each with a unique signature. While the "serial killer" storyline is a staple of the crime genre, "Nightfall" cleverly layers the clues, introducing red herrings and unexpected twists that keep viewers guessing. The intricate plot, while formulaic in its structure, is meticulously crafted to maintain suspense.

4. The Internal Affairs Investigation: Naturally, our troubled detective attracts the attention of Internal Affairs. The investigation adds another layer of tension, forcing Corbin to constantly look over his shoulder, even as he pursues the killer. This trope, while common, provides opportunities for thrilling chase sequences and emotional confrontations.

5. The Shocking Twist Ending (or is it?): Crime dramas often hinge on a final, shocking twist. While "Nightfall" certainly delivers a surprising revelation, the show's strength lies not just in the reveal itself but in the subtle foreshadowing throughout the season. This careful construction prevents the twist from feeling cheap or contrived. It also cleverly sets the stage for a second season, already greenlit by ABC.

Why "Nightfall" Succeeds Despite the Tropes:

"Nightfall's" success isn't about reinventing the wheel; it's about executing the familiar exceptionally well. The writing is sharp, the acting is superb, and the pacing is relentless. The show understands its audience and delivers exactly what they expect – but with a level of polish and attention to detail often missing from similar programs. The strong character development, combined with a genuinely gripping mystery, elevates these familiar tropes beyond cliché.

Conclusion:

"Nightfall" proves that even well-worn tropes can be successful if handled with skill and creativity. Its popularity demonstrates a continued appetite for classic crime drama narratives, provided they are executed with a fresh perspective and exceptional craftsmanship. Are you watching "Nightfall"? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And be sure to tune in next week for the season finale!